Milton Academy is an independent college preparatory K–12 school, boarding and day in grades 9–12, located one mile south of Boston.
Milton Academy cultivates in its students a passion for learning and a respect for others. Embracing diversity and the pursuit of excellence, we create a community in which individuals develop competence, confidence and character. Our active learning environment, in and out of the classroom, develops creative and critical thinkers, unafraid to express their ideas, prepared to seek meaningful lifetime success and to live by our motto, “Dare to be true.”
Summary of Position
The Development and Alumni Relations Office seeks an experienced, strategic, pro-active, results-oriented development professional to serve as a Leadership Gifts Officer who will work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer, Director of Development, Director of Planned Giving, Leadership Gifts Officers, the Head of School, high-level volunteers including trustees, and other members of the development team.
In June 2020 Milton Academy completed a very successful comprehensive campaign, raising $182.7M for endowment, facilities, and current-use priorities. The Leadership Gifts Officer will build on this strength and invigorate an aspirational program by raising resources for our next set of strategic ambitions.
The Leadership Gifts Officer will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of leadership gift ($100,000+ level) and select principal ($1,000,000+) prospects. Successful candidates will possess expertise in leadership giving and volunteer management; deep experience in the design and implementation of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies; and a solid understanding of planned giving.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Advance the success of Milton’s fundraising program through robust and pro-active portfolio management; set clear goals for cultivation strategies for prospects and execute such strategies that result in the highest level of support for the Academy’s top fundraising priorities; focus on building long-term relationship with top prospects and donors.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward Milton alumni and parents capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more; manage a portfolio of approximately 150 leadership and principal gift prospects; travel as needed to achieve 12-15 visits per month.
- Maintain complete and timely records of contacts with prospects and volunteers; provide leadership and facilitate relationships between leadership gift prospects and the Head of School, faculty, and key volunteer leaders.
- Identify and qualify additional prospects by working independently and with colleagues; actively participate in prospect management meetings.
- Master a working knowledge of Milton Academy, in general, and funding priorities, specifically, to articulate a compelling case for support to all constituents; create and present proposals to prospects.
- Assume responsibility for special fundraising-related projects, such as targeted giving opportunities, as assigned.
- Assist the Chief Advancement Officer and Director of Development with other assignments, as needed; perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Other required experience and abilities
- Excellent interpersonal skills, a cheerful demeanor in the office and interacting with alumni, parents, friends, colleagues, and business professionals.
- Proven fundraising, leadership, and consensus building skills; results-oriented.
- Proven ability to plan, coordinate and implement multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects and tasks in a fast-paced work environment with minimal supervision.
- Thorough, accurate, and concise verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail, problem-solving and overall organization.
- Excellent editing and proofreading skills.
- Strong computer knowledge/skills and a willingness to learn more.
- Ability to be flexible and work independently and collaboratively.
- Demonstrate credibility, integrity, discretion and confidentiality.
- Must be receptive to supervision and professional development.
Milton Academy welcomes candidates who would add to the intellectual, racial, cultural, and gender diversity of the school community. Milton Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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